Apparatus for lifting and transporting patients



V. SCULLY June 23, 1959 APPARATUSFOR LIF'TING AND TRANSPORTING PATIENTS Filed May 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 23, 1959 v, SCULLY 2,891,256

APPARATUS FOR LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING PATIENTS Filed'May 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 av 1 La 1 9 am.- poz'wn m REVERSE MOTOR F ON V'QSCULLY 2,891,256

APPARATUS FOR LIFTING AND TRANSPORT ING PATIENTS SSheets-Sheet 3 z z 7 a June 23, 1959 Filed May 19, 1954 June 23, 1959 v. SCULLY 2,891,256

APPARATUS FOR LIF'TING AND TRANSPORTING PATIENTS Filed may 19, 1954 s Sheets-Sheet 4 V. SQULLY June 23, 1959 APPARATUS FOR LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING PATIENTS Filed May 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 lllllllTl I I I H'H" V. SCULLY June 23, 19 59 I APPARATUS FOR LIF'TING AND TRANS PORTING PATIENTS Filed May 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented June 23, 1959 APPARATUS FOR LIFTING AND TRANSPORTING PATIENTS Vincent Scully, Metuchen, NJ.

Application May 19, 1954, Serial No. 430,871

2 Claims. (Cl. -86).

This invention relates generally to apparatus for moving and supporting persons who are physically disabled, and more particularly to an improved structure of the class described.

There are many situations where it becomes necessary to move a person who is in some manner disabled. For example, overweight patients may fall from their beds and the available nurses do not have sufficient strength to lift the patient and return himto his bed. Frequently elderly persons fall and are unable to arise themselves. Vehicular accidents and others frequently result in a patient or patients having one or more fractures, where not only is improper movement of the victim painful, but it can also be damaging. Similarly, accidents or casualties resulting from combat in military forces result in the patient being in such position that it is difficult or undesirable to manually move him.

It is therefore among the objects of the present invention to provide apparatus which can be used to simply and effectively elevate and transport patients of various types with a reduction in the need for a large number of nurses or special skilled help.

A still further object herein lies in the provision of structure of the class described, which may have a large number of the functions thereof power actuated.

Another object herein lies in the provision of body moving apparatus, which by proper adjustment, may not only elevate and transport the patient, but may act as a chair, stretcher or temporary bed.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the bed, when so set up, may be adjusted in level to obtain desired circulatory effects.

Another object herein lies in the apparatus of the type described, which although olfering a large number of functions, is relatively compact and may be conveniently stored when not actively in use. r

Another object herein lies in the combination of the present patient handling equipment with a motor driven vehicle to act as an improved type of ambulance.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a device of the character described, which by virtue of its great maneuverability, compactness, versatility and lifting power beyond human power, will be highly effective in cases of epileptic seizures, paralytic stroke victims, aged suffering from falling sicknesses, Weak spells, cerebral accidents, and convulsions. Where the person convulses, and opposes assistance, resorting to biting and kicking of those offering help, this mechanical device obviates injury to the person or persons attempting to render aid, because it is necessary only to secure the vest element in place and to safely withdraw, operating the machine at its controls. The patient is then quickly restored to a place of safety, and where he can be given necessary hypodermics or other medicines.

These objects and other incidental ends'and advantages will more fully appear in the progress of this disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing, in which similar reference characters 9 control therefor 36. This control is switch 37.

.2 designate corresponding parts throughout each embodiment:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view taken from a low point of view, showing the under surface of the platform element.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 1, with the parts in an altered position thereof.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the control panel.

Figure 5 is a schematic electrical diagram.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane 6-6 on Figure 3.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane 7-7 on Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing a supported patient, the platform element, and certain associated parts.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view as seen from the plane 99 on Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view of the vest element as seen from the plane 1tl10 on Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a view corresponding generally to Figure 8, but showing the platform element in an altered position thereof, arranged to form a seat, with a different vest.

' Figure 12 is a fragmentary view in perspective of an altered vest element with associated parts.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen from the plane 13--13 on Figure 6.

. Figure 14- is a sectional view as seen 14 14 on Figure 7.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen from the plane 15-15 on Figure 6.

F igire 16 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen from the plane 16-16 on Figure 7.

Figure 17 is a view in perspective corresponding generally to Figure l, but showing an alternate form of the platform element.

In accordance with the invention, the device generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly a base 11, a vertical stationary column 12, a vertical movable column 13, an arm element 14, a platform element 15, a vest element 16, a head rest element 17, an elevating cable 18, and power means 19.

The base 11 includes a plurality of legs 20, preferably three, so that the device will be relatively stable even on surfaces having slight irregularity and is highly maneuverable under and between beds or between other vertical surfaces and the patient. The base also includes from the plane a hub 21 which serves as a bearing support for the vertical stationary column 12. The column 12 is preferably provided with anti-friction bearings (see lower portion of Figure 6), so that it may rotate through 360 easily. Mounted upon the hub 21 is the rotation preventing means 22, which includes a bell-crank foot lever 25 having a pedal 23, and a shiftable pin 24 adapted to selectively engage any one of a series of openings 26 in the lower end of the column 12 (see Figure 13)). The means 22 is urged into its engaged position by an expansive spring 27.

The power means 19 is located on the vertical stationary column 12 and details of its construction are shown in Figure 7. There is a housing 28, and the housing is preferably an extension of the vertical stationary column 12. The vertical movable column 13 has a rack 30 engaged by a gear 31 keyed to a shaft 32 carrying a pinion 33. The pinion 33 engages a worm 34 depending from the clutch 35 which is actuated by the magnetic activated by the The motor 38 is reversible, and controlled by the switch 39, so that manipulation of the switches 37 and 39 affords accurate elevation and lowering of the vertical movable column 13.

The elevating cable 18 travels about pulleys 40, 41, and 42 to a drum 43 which is keyed to a pinion 44 engaged by a worth 45. The worm 45 is connected to a clutch 46 which is actuated by the magnetic control 47. This control is activated by the switch 48. Manipulation of the switches 48 and 39 permits accurate elevation and lowering of the vest element 16.

The arm element 14 is hollow in configuration so that a large portion of the elevating cable 18 is concealed and protected from becoming obstructed or snagged. The arm element is secured to the upper end of the vertical movable column 13 and is preferably additionally braced by the bracket extension 49. The rear end of the arm element 14 projects beyond the column 13 to have a fin 50 which is adapted to slide between the pair of vertical guide ribs 51, and this structure prevents rotation of the column 13 independently of the column 12.

The platform element 15 is carried by an axle 52 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 53 which is preferably integral with the column 12. The platform element 15 is normally maintained in two positions, one horizontal and the other vertical. This is accomplished by having two depressions in the axle 52 which may be selectively engaged by a slidable pin 54 (see Figure 7).

The platform element has four panels, the back panel 55, the seat panel 56, the head panel 57, and the leg panel 58. Panels 55 and 56 are joined by the hinge 59; panels 55 and 57 are joined by the hinge 6t); and panels 56 and 58 are joined by the hinge 61. Each of these panels may be arranged so as to be coplanar with the next adjoining panel or to form a suitable angle therewith by suitable means (not shown) adapted to clamp or secure the said hinges in adjusted positions thereof.

While the point of connection of the axle 52 is shown as fixed upon the stationary column 12, this is satisfactory for use in connection with standard height hospital beds.

Where, however, the device is to be used in homes or with beds of various heights, then the support bearing 53 may be arranged for vertical adjustment in a manner similar to that employed herein for adjusting the height of the column 13.

When this feature of vertical adjustability of the axle 52 is incorporated, the feature of maintaining the adjusted position of the panels with respect to each other is of great value in transferring the patient to and from a seated or lying position on an ordinary bed, or from or to a chair. I The last mentioned feature of maintaining the adjusted position is important for example where the panels are arranged for a patient in a seated position as shown in Figure 11. When the panels are arranged to be coplanar as shown in Figure 1, the hinge 59 has the faces 62 and 63 abutting, and the slides 64 (only one slide shown) are moved to a position where they bridge the gap between panels 55 and 57 (Fig. 2) and the panels 56 and 58. As seen in Figure 2, the slide 64 rides between rabbeted edges 65-68 inclusive. Corresponding structure exists on the undersides of the panels 56 and 58.

The vest element 16 is preferably constructed so as to be stiff enough to afford adequate support for the patient, and yet to be padded and soft enough to cause a minimum of damage or discomfort to the patient while he is supported thereby. As seen in Figure 1, the vest element comprises front body portions 68 and 69 detachably connectible at their front meeting edges 70 and 71 by a closure means 72. The body portions 68 and 69 are separable in front a distance sufficient to permit the patient to be placed in the vest element 16 therebetween. This is accomplished by having the back portions 74 and 75 bendable or foldable away from each other preferably 4 below the shoulder or arm supporting members 76 and 77. The vest element 16 is preferably long enough to extend downwardly to the level of the patients lowest rib. The vest element 16 is preferably fabricated of leather or it may be of a metal such as steel, or aluminum alloy covered by suitable padding. Where the patient is suffering from one or more broken ribs, then it is desirable to use a short type vest element such as is shown in Figure 12A.

Disposed at the back of the vest element 16 is suitable means 78 for attaching the free end of the elevating cable 18 to said vest element. In Figure 1 this is done in the form of an eye 79 through which is passed a loop 80, the said loop also passing through the head rest element 17. When not in use the vest element 16 and the head rest element 17 are maintained preferably in the position shown in Figure 1 by hanging the loop 80 on a hook 81 which is secured to the arm element 14.

' In the form of the vest element shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, details are shown of the type mentioned above in which there is a rigid shell preferably composed of metal and for the purpose of avoiding needless repetition, certain of the parts are given the same reference characters as the prior described parts with the addition of the suffix a. In this form, the cable 13 is passed down through an elongated tube which has an orificed plate at the bottom thereof. Since the two halves of the vest element are rigid, the two back free edges are connected by a hinge 84. The padding 85 may be of suitably resilient material such as batting or sponge rubber and is preferably lined with a sanitary covering such as sheet synthetic resin of the vinyl type. The padding is indicated at 85 and the lining at 86.

In Figure 12, the vest element has stiffening reinforcements secured at the back for greater stiffness where needed, as for example in the case of certain back inuries.

Turning now to Figure 20, there is shown an alternate form of the platform element. Here for the purpose of eliminating unnecessary repetition, certain of the parts corresponding to those shown in Figure 1 are given the same reference characters with the addition of suflix b.

It will be noted that the platform element 15b has only one large panel b which in size and shape is approximately equal to the four panels 55-58 inclusive, previously described.

Secured to the panel 55b in a position where the ankles of'a patient would be disposed, when the patient is lying stretched out on the platform element 15b, are a pair of spaced foot or ankle clamps, 88 and 89.

This form of platform element is useful where it is desired to secure the patients ankles.

For the purpose of giving an example of the operation 1 of my device, one manner of use will be described here.

Assuming a patient to be lying in a heap, the device is wheeled over to him on the casters under the legs 20. The wheels would then be set by well known caster brakes (not shown).

The platform panels are preferably collapsed vertically to their most compact arrangement so as to cause the least interference with reaching the patient and the lifting of the patient.

Next the controls 48 and 39 are manipulated to allow the vest element to be lowered .to meet the patients level. Then the vest element is placed on the patient from the front or the rear and secured.

Following this, the controls 48 and 39 are used to raise the patient to the desired height, depending upon the ultimate position desired, being sitting, standing, or lying, for further care. The platform element is now adjusted to accommodate the patient in position, and if desirable the tension on the cable element may be relaxed. Furthermore, if the patient should relapse then the vest elehimself.

Where the device has to be fitted through a smaller opening than the usual door, operation of the control switch 37 and 39 will permit the column 13 to be lowered and with it the arm 14.

Another example of the application of this device is to facilitate tub bathing of the aged and crippled. Here, by engagement of the vest element upon the bather, those in attendance need not get wet while assisting the patient in or out of the tub.

A great advantage is that of being able to raise and lower the arm element so that the free portion of the cable element is kept to a minimum, thereby avoiding dangerous swinging and pendulum-like loss of control.

In the present disclosure, emphasis has been placed upon the operation of the present device by a doctor, nurse, or attendant, other than the patient or the person being moved or supported by the device herein. Under certain conditions, it may be desirable for the patient himself to manipulate certain of the controls during the absence of an attendant, or other operator of the device. Under such ci cumstances, it is possible to have the switches 37, 39 and 48 on a movable control panel which is connected to the device solely by a flexible electrical cable. Thus, for example, where a patient was paralyzed from the waist down, he could be supported by a vest element which he could raise or lower by manipulating the control panel switches so as to enable him to change his sitting position. Other conditions under which the patient might be permitted to move himself with the aid of the present device will occur to the person in charge of the patient.

I wish it to be understood that I do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described in the specification and drawings, for obvious modifications will occur to persons skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.

I claim:

1. A device for lifting, supporting and transporting patients comprising: a base having wheeled means thereon for moving the same across a floor, a first stationary column having a substantially vertical axis supported upon said base, a second column supported by said first column for relative movement along a substantially vertical axis, an arm carried by said second column extending laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from the axis of said second column, a platform element, pivotally supported by said first column for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, said last mentioned axis being offset with respect to the axis of said second column, means on said first column for selectively locking said platform in substantially vertical and horizontal dispositions and lifting means carried by said arm element including a vest element, positionable beneath the arms of a patient; whereby said device may be positioned adjacent a patient to lift said patient in a vertical position to a point where said platform may be pivoted about said horizontal axis beneath said patient for supporting said patient in a horizontal position thereupon.

2. A device for lifting, supporting and transporting patients comprising: a base having wheeled means thereon for moving the same across a floor, a first stationary column having a substantially vertical axis supported upon said base, a second column supported by said first column for relative movement along a substantially vertical axis, an arm carried by said second column extending laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from the axis of said second column, a platform element including a plurality of hinged panels, piv'otally supported by said first column for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, said last mentioned axis being offset with respect to the axis of said second column, means on said first column for selectively locking said platform in substantially vertical and horizontal disposition and lifting means carried by said arm element including a. vest element, positionable beneath the arms of a patient; said hinged panels having means for interconnecting the same in a single plane; whereby said device may be positioned adjacent a patient to lift said patient in a. vertical position to a point where said platform may be pivoted about said horizontal axis beneath said patient for supporting said patient in a horizontal position thereupon.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 274,527 Stelle Mar. 27, 1883 562,725 Hepburn June 23, 1896 686,425 Sommerfeld Nov. 12, 1901 935,170 Smith Sept. 28, 1909 1,072,959 Kincannon Sept. 9, 1913 1,636,459 Chappel July 19, 1927 1,878,785 Leavitt Sept. 20, 1932 1,961,119 Ettinger May 29, 1934 2,218,883 Jones Oct. 22, 1940 2,234,483 Sutton Mar. 11, 1941 2,255,462 Cowles Sept. 9, 1941 2,494,591 Smith Jan. 17, 1950 2,516,553 Cole July 25, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 358,059 Great Britain of 1931 657,933 France Ian. 21, 1929 

